Elements

Elements are the forces which compose the material world. In most fantasy settings, elements come from a simple mythology, and have sacred yet immanent connotations. In the Pedroverse, most of the game worlds use the same 16 Element System. Each one of these elements represents a material or spiritual force, but also an aspect of personality and outlook on life.

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"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony."

-Thomas Merton

Earth is the element which represents the aspect Stability. Those who are of the Earth element tend to be able or likely to continue and last, and are firmly established, enduring, and permanent. They are resistant to sudden change and deterioration. As well, they could be described as steadfast, and not wavering and changeable, as in character or purpose, as well as dependable. The positive aspect of Earth is Calm. At their best, people of the Earth element are free from excitement and passion, as well as tranquil. They will not waver and give into fear. The negative aspect of Earth is Laziness. At their worst, those of the Earth element are averse and disinclined to work, activity, and exertion, as well as indolent. They would much rather relax in peace than have to take action.

Earth is represented by the Zodiac Sign Taurus, and is opposite to Wind. Its color is Brown. Astrologically, Earth signs (those in the same column as Taurus) are seen as Objective Introverts. Earth is represented in the Myers-Briggs typology by the letter P for Perception. In D&D 1, Earth Items are known as Stone Items. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent Earth are known as Mountain Heroes. In Pedro's Classical World, Earth is represented by the Expansive leader trait. In D&D 3, those with the Earth element hail from Domhain.

"All of us, at certain moments of our lives, need to take advice and to receive help from other people."

-Alexis Carrel

Wind is the element which represents the aspect Caution. Those who are of the Wind element tend to be alert and prudent in hazardous situations, careful, and wary. They warn against danger and evil. As well, they could be described as astonished and filled with mild apprehension. The positive aspect of Wind is Preparation. At their best, people of the Wind element are properly expectant, organized, and equipped, as well as ready. They will be able to foresee the best and worst outcomes and be able to deal with them easily. The negative aspect of Wind is Anxiety. At their worst, those of the Wind element are distressed and uneasy of mind due to fear of danger and misfortune. They become too preoccupied with the worst of possibilities and become very tense.

Wind is represented by the Zodiac Sign Gemini, and is opposite to Earth. Its color is Sky Blue. Astrologically, Wind signs (those in the same column as Gemini) are seen as Subjective Extroverts. Wind is represented in the Myers-Briggs typology by the letter J for Judgement. In D&D 1, Wind Items are known as Sand Items. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent Wind are known as Tornado Heroes. In Pedro's Classical World, Wind is represented by the Organized leader trait. In D&D 3, those with the Wind element hail from Reyah.

Water is the element which represents the aspect Logic. Those who are of the Water element tend to use the science that investigates the principles governing correct and reliable inference. They use particular methods of reasoning and argumentation. As well, they could be described as well-versed in the systems and principles of reasoning applicable to any branch of knowledge and study. The positive aspect of Water is Reason. At their best, people of the Water element employ bases and causes for their beliefs, actions, facts, and events. They will be able to understand the details and step-by-step methodology behind anything flawlessly. The negative aspect of Water is Aloofness. At their worst, those of the Water element are distant, cold, and uninterested, as well as appear to be above the fray, and indifferent. They refuse to become involved in more metaphorical and nuanced matters, and treat them harshly.

Water is represented by the Zodiac Sign Cancer, and is opposite to Fire. Its color is Blue. Astrologically, Water signs (those in the same column as Cancer) are seen as Subjective Introverts. Water is represented in the Myers-Briggs typology by the letter T for Thinking. In D&D 1, Water Items are known as River Items. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent Water are known as Rain Heroes. In Pedro's Classical World, Water is represented by the Philosophical leader trait. In D&D 3, those with the Water element hail from Pānī.

"Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives."

-C. S. Lewis

Fire is the element which represents the aspect Emotion. Those who are of the Fire element tend to be in affective states of consciousness in which joy, sorrow, fear, hate, and the like, are experienced, as distinguished from cognitive and volitional states of consciousness. They are temperamental, effusive, demonstrative, and sentimental. As well, they could be described as those who experience intense mental states that arise subjectively rather than through conscious effort and are often accompanied by physiological changes. The positive aspect of Fire is Passion. At their best, people of the Fire element dwell upon powerful and compelling emotions and feelings, such as love and hate. They will act based on these feelings well past the point that others would be dissuaded. The negative aspect of Fire is Recklessness. At their worst, those of the Fire element are utterly unconcerned about the consequences of actions, and without caution, as well as careless. They will act upon impulses inappropriately and often cause mistakes.

Fire is represented by the Zodiac Sign Aries, and is opposite to Water. Its color is Red. Astrologically, Fire signs (those in the same column as Aries) are seen as Objective Extroverts. Fire is represented in the Myers-Briggs typology by the letter F for Feeling. In D&D 1, Fire Items are known as Ashen Items. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent Fire are known as Flame Heroes. In Pedro's Classical World, Fire is represented by the Aggressive leader trait. In D&D 3, those with the Fire element hail from Ignis.

"It is in the very nature of things human that every act that has once made its appearance and has been recorded in the history of mankind stays with mankind as a potentiality long after its actuality has become a thing of the past."

-Hannah Arendt

Light is the element which represents the aspect Truth. Those who are of the Light element tend to act in accordance with actual states and conditions, and conform to reality and fact, and as well are not false. They are real, genuine, and authentic. As well, they could be described as sincere, and not deceitful. The positive aspect of Light is Honesty. At their best, people of the Light element are honorable in principles, intentions, and actions, as well as upright and fair. They will dedicate themselves to their moral framework without exception. The negative aspect of Light is Absolutism. At their worst, those of the Light element believe theories holding that values and principles are absolute and not relative, dependent, and changeable. They will act stubbornly and be closed-minded to any alternatives or criticisms.

Light is represented by the Zodiac Sign Virgo, and is opposite to Darkness. Its color is White. Light is represented in the Myers-Briggs typology by the letter S for Sensing. In D&D 1, Light Items are known as Silver Items. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent Light are known as Sun Heroes. In Pedro's Classical World, Light is represented by the Spiritual leader trait. In D&D 3, those with the Light element hail from Licht.

"The most useful thing about a principle is that it can always be sacrificed to expediency."

-W. Somerset Maugham

Darkness is the element which represents the aspect Utilitarianism. Those who are of the Darkness element tend to ultimately value the state and quality of being useful, and usefulness. They expect the capacities of commodities and services to satisfy some human want. As well, they could be described as those who adhere to the doctrine that the morally correct course of action consists in the greatest good for the greatest number, that is, in maximizing the total benefit resulting, without regard to the distribution of benefits and burdens. The positive aspect of Darkness is Flexibility. At their best, people of the Darkness element are
susceptible to modification and adaptation, and are adaptable. They will openly accept a valid alternative to any situation. The negative aspect of Darkness is Deception. At their worst, those of the Darkness element rely upon misleading by false appearances and statements, as well as delusion. They will resort to lying and tricking others to easily achieve that which they desire.

Darkness is represented by the Zodiac Sign Libra, and is opposite to Light. Its color is Black. Darkness is represented in the Myers-Briggs typology by the letter N for iNtuitive. In D&D 1, Darkness Items are known as Obsidian Items. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent Darkness are known as Skull Heroes. In Pedro's Classical World, Darkness is represented by the Creative leader trait. In D&D 3, those with the Darkness element hail from Karanlık.

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

-Calvin Coolidge

Ice is the element which represents the aspect Independence. Those who are of the Ice element tend to avoid influence or control by others in matters of opinion and conduct, and think and act for themselves. They are not subject to others' authority and jurisdiction, and are autonomous and free. As well, they could be described as not influenced by the thoughts and actions of others. The positive aspect of Ice is Efficiency. At their best, people of the Ice element perform and function in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort, and have and use requisite knowledge, skill, and industry, and are also competent and capable. They will not get caught up in the trivialities of others, and will work towards their personal goals. The negative aspect of Ice is Antisociality. At their worst, those of the Ice element are unwilling and unable to associate in a normal and friendly way with other people. They will see others as distractions, or possibly even wastes of time, and will only care for their own affairs.

Ice is represented by the Zodiac Sign Scorpio, and is opposite to Lightning. Its color is Cyan. Ice is represented in the Myers-Briggs typology by the letter I for Introverted. Ice can be associated with the Chaotic ethical alignment. In D&D 1, Ice Items are known as Frozen Items. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent Ice are known as Snow Heroes. In Pedro's Classical World, Ice is represented by the Protective leader trait. In D&D 3, those with the Ice element hail from Led.

"We take our bearings, daily, from others. To be sane is, to a great extent, to be sociable."

-John Updike

Lightning is the element which represents the aspect Sociality. Those who are of the Lightning element tend to have personalities pertaining to, devoted to, and characterized by friendly companionship and relations. They seek and enjoy the companionship of others, and are friendly, sociable, and gregarious. As well, they could be described as those who pertain to, are connected with, and suited to polite and fashionable society. The positive aspect of Lightning is Charisma. At their best, people of the Lightning element have a spiritual power and personal quality that gives an them influence and authority over large numbers of people. They will draw others to them, and be seen as likeable and easy to relate to. The negative aspect of Lightning is Dependence. At their worst, those of the Lightning element are constantly in the state of relying on and needing someone and something for aid and support. They will not be able to complete many tasks on their own, and find themselves helpless without the assistance of others.

Lightning is represented by the Zodiac Sign Leo, and is opposite to Ice. Its color is Yellow. Lightning is represented in the Myers-Briggs typology by the letter E for Extroverted. Lightning can be associated with the Lawful ethical alignment. In D&D 1, Lightning Items are known as Electric Items. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent Lightning are known as Energy Heroes. In Pedro's Classical World, Lightning is represented by the Charismatic leader trait. In D&D 3, those with the Lightning element hail from Shǎndiàn.

"Every ceremony or rite has a value if it is performed without alteration. A ceremony is a book in which a great deal is written. Anyone who understands can read it. One rite often contains more than a hundred books."

-G. I. Gurdjieff

Nature is the element which represents the aspect Tradition. Those who are of the Nature element tend to find value in the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, and information, from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice. They live in accordance with long-established and inherited ways of thinking and acting. As well, they could be described as those who follow continuing patterns of cultural beliefs and practices. The positive aspect of Nature is Wisdom. At their best, people of the Nature element have the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true and right, and possess discernment, judgment, and discretion. They will tap into all of the lessons they have learned throughout their lifetime experiences to have insight concerning a nearly limitless number of topics. The negative aspect of Nature is Tediosity. At their worst, those of the Nature element are wordy so as to cause weariness and boredom, and as speakers and writers, are regularly prolix. They will try to teach others in a way that is uninteresting and monotonous, and constantly focus on the same recurring themes, even when they are unimportant.

Nature is represented by the Zodiac Sign Capricorn, and is opposite to Metal. Its color is Green. In D&D 1, Nature Items are known as Poison Items. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent Nature are known as Leaf Heroes. In D&D 3, those with the Nature element hail from Shizen.

"Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress."

-Bruce Barton

Metal is the element which represents the aspect Innovation. Those who are of the Metal element tend to be attracted to something new or different introduced. They try to introduce something new, and wish to make changes in anything established. As well, they could be described as those who enjoy introducing something new for and as if for the first time. The positive aspect of Metal is Creativity. At their best, people of the Metal element cause new things to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve and that is not made by ordinary processes. They will use originality and inquiry to make something entirely different from the norm and will try to improve upon past designs. The negative aspect of Metal is Foolishness. At their worst, those of the Metal element are those who tend to cause mistakes resulting from and showing a lack of sense, and act in ways ill-considered and unwise. They will ignore the past to the point they will pay no heed to any lessons that could be derived from it, and will make very common blunders which could have easily been avoided.

Metal is represented by the Zodiac Sign Aquarius, and is opposite to Nature. Its color is Gray. In D&D 1, Metal Items are known as Steel Items. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent Metal are known as Machine Heroes. In D&D 3, those with the Metal element hail from Métallo.

"Behold I do not give lectures or a little charity, When I give I give myself."

-Walt Whitman

Space is the element which represents the aspect Altruism. Those who are of the Space element tend to be believers in the principle and practice of unselfish concern for and devotion to the welfare of others. They adhere to the philosophical doctrine that right action is that which produces the greatest benefit to others. As well, they could be described as those who desire to do good to others, and are full of goodwill and charitableness. The positive aspect of Space is Selflessness. At their best, people of the Space element have little and no concern for themselves, especially with regard to fame, position, and money, and are totally unselfish. They will gladly deny themselves of a positive opportunity if it means they can ultimately benefit everyone else. The negative aspect of Space is Sacrifice. At their worst, those of the Space element are vulnerable to surrender and destroy something prized and desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher and more pressing claim. They will deny themselves any pleasure so as to help others even in the slightest way.

Space is represented by the Zodiac Sign Pisces, and is opposite to Time. Its color is Purple. Space can be associated with the Good moral alignment. In D&D 1, Space Items are known as Galactic Items. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent Space are known as Portal Heroes. In D&D 3, those with the Space element hail from Espas.

"If the egotist is weak, his egotism is worthless. If the egotist is strong, acute, full of distinctive character, his egotism is precious, and remains a possession of the race."

-Alexander Smith

Time is the element which represents the aspect Egoism. Those who are of the Time element tend to habitually value everything only in reference to their personal interest, and are selfish. They tend to be full of egotism and conceit. As well, they could be described as those who view that morality ultimately rests on self-interest. The positive aspect of Time is Ambition. At their best, people of the Time element have an earnest desire for some type of achievement and distinction, such as power, honor, fame, and wealth, as well as the willingness to strive for its attainment. They will pursue their own personal interest with rigor and will not be turned from it, regardless of how difficult it may become, ultimately achieving something of great value. The negative aspect of Time is Selfishness. At their worst, those of the Time element are devoted to and care only for themselves, and are concerned primarily with their own interests, benefits, and welfare, regardless of others. They will not take others' desires or wishes into account at all unless it is of use to them.

Time is represented by the Zodiac Sign Sagittarius, and is opposite to Space. Its color is Tan. Time can be associated with the Evil moral alignment. In D&D 1, Time Items are known as Lunar Items. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent Time are known as Form Heroes. In Pedro's Classical World, Time is represented by the Imperialistic leader trait. In D&D 3, those with the Time element hail from Denbora.

"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation."

-Robert Kennedy

Spirit is the element which represents the aspect Idealism. Those who are of the Spirit element tend to see a conception of something in its perfection. They believe in systems and theories which maintain that the real is of the nature of thought and that the object of external perception consists of ideas. As well, they could be described as those who tend to represent things in an ideal form, as they might and should be rather than as they are, with emphasis on values. The positive aspect of Spirit is Determination. At their best, people of the Spirit element follow fixed directions and tendencies toward some objects and ends. They will never give up, and view their motives and goals with optimism, persisting until they succeed. The negative aspect of Spirit is Naieveté. At their worst, those of the Spirit element are known to have and showing a lack of experience, judgment, and information, and are credulous. They will have far too high of expectations, and will not see things as they truly are.

Spirit is represented by the constellation Cetus, and is opposite to Mind. Its color is Orange. Spirit can be associated with the Mad moral alignment. In D&D 1, Spirit Items are known as Ghost Items. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent Spirit are known as Soul Heroes. In Pedro's Classical World, Spirit is represented by the Industrious leader trait. In D&D 3, those with the Spirit element hail from Espíritu.

"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."

-Lao Tzu

Mind is the element which represents the aspect Realism. Those who are of the Mind element tend to value that which is true, and not merely ostensible, nominal, and apparent. They only involve themselves with existence and factual occurrence, and actuality rather than imagination, ideals, and fiction. As well, they could be described as adherents of the doctrine that objects of sense perception have an existence independent of the act of perception. The positive aspect of Mind is Pragmatism. At their best, people of the Mind element value character and conduct that emphasizes practicality. They will find the most probable and likely way to succeed at any tasks ahead of them, taking all elements of the situation into proper account. The negative aspect of Mind is Complacency. At their worst, those of the Mind element often feel quiet pleasure and security, often while unaware of some potential danger and defect, and have self-satisfaction and smug satisfaction with an existing situation and condition. They will feel as if there is nothing they can do to change the state of affairs, and will resign themselves to their fate, taking no action.

Mind is represented by the constellation Ophiuchus, and is opposite to Spirit. Its color is Pink. Mind can be associated with the Neutral ethical alignment. In D&D 1, Mind Items are known as Dream Items. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent Mind are known as Illusion Heroes. In Pedro's Classical World, Mind is represented by the Financial leader trait. In D&D 3, those with the Mind element hail from Akili.

???? is the element which represents the aspect Love. Those who are of the ???? element tend to have profoundly tender, passionate affections for other people. They advocate affectionate concern for the well-being of others. As well, they could be described as having strong predilections, enthusiasms, and likings of anything. The positive aspect of ???? is Compassion. At their best, people of the ???? element have feelings of deep sympathy and sorrow for others who are stricken by misfortune, and have strong desires to alleviate the suffering. They will do everything in their power to create the best world for that which they cherish. The negative aspect of ???? is Fragility. At their worst, those of the ???? element are easily broken, shattered, and damaged, and are delicate, brittle, and frail. They will be vulnerable because of their fixations upon that which they cherish, leading to severe depression and misery if the object of their affections is hurt or lost.

???? is represented by the symbol for Sol, and is opposite to Nether. Its color comprises the entire physical light spectrum. ???? can be associated with the Spiritual ethical alignment. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent ???? are known as <SPOILER> Heroes. In D&D 3, those with the ???? element hail from Dio.

Nether is the element which represents the aspect Apathy. Those who are of the Nether element tend to have an absence and suppression of passion, emotion, and excitement. They lack interest in and have no concern for things that others find moving and exciting. As well, they could be described as free from emotion of any kind. The positive aspect of Nether is Durability. At their best, people of the Nether element are able to resist wear and decay, and are lasting and enduring. They will not be affected by the afflictions of most people, and are immune to significant emotional and mental pain and damage. The negative aspect of Nether is Cruelty. At their worst, those of the Nether element willfully and knowingly causing pain and distress to others. They will not feel any remorse or guilt over crushing the dreams and desires of people, and will not feel accountable for any way they their peers.

Nether is represented by the symbol for Terra, and is opposite to ????. It is invisible. Nether can be associated with the Neutral moral alignment. In D&D 1, Nether Items are known as Void Items. In D&D 2, the Heroes which represent Nether are known as Anti Heroes. In D&D 3, those with the Nether element hail from Thetven.